Lingering global supply-chain challenges resulting in months-long wait for appliances

When Amy Studholme visited The Brick shortly after Boxing Day last year, she wouldn't have imagined that nearly one year later, she'd still be without the appliances she ordered.

Studholme had ordered a fridge, a stove and a dishwasher. The stove arrived within a few weeks, she said, but turned out to be defective; she had to pay several hundred dollars more for another that was in stock. Her dishwasher only recently arrived at the store, but now she's waiting on her fridge, so she can bring both of the appliances home at once.

"Basically every month, I've been told by The Brick that my appliances will be coming in the next month. Next month, here we are in October — I'm now being told November. But I am not optimistic," she said.

Studholme said she has made several phone calls and even the odd visit to the store.

"The most frustrating piece is there's no accountability on their behalf," she said. "Every single time my appliances are supposed to be here, I make arrangements — then there's a new date."

Studholme is among a number of customers who told CBC News they've waited several months for appliances ordered during the pandemic from various stores.

According to the Retail Council of Canada, ongoing global supply-chain challenges are resulting in some retailers reporting that the situation has become worse, with product delays, shortages and higher prices.